Family says Minnesota inmate requested medicine

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Dec 30, 2011 at 7:58 am

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - The father and friend of a man who died in custody while charged with wounding two in a shooting at a northern Minnesota courthouse say the man's requests for an extra blanket and cough medicine went unfulfilled.

Daniel Schlienz died Tuesday after having flu like symptoms.

Schlienz's sister Bev Wolke tells the Duluth News Tribune the hospital coroner indicated he had disseminated intravascular coagulation, a complication where small blood clots can lead to organ failure.

An autopsy Tuesday did not determine a cause of death and more lab tests are expected.

His father Gary Schlienz said his son was not allowed an extra blanket. His friend Jay Wilson said Schlienz's request for medicine on Sunday weren't fulfilled.

St. Louis County Sheriff Ross Litman says he believes jail staff "acted appropriately and diligently'' in caring for Daniel Schlienz.